Marlene Rae Gruber-Clark, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away on the morning of August 26, 2026, at the age of 84.
Marlene was the beloved wife of Jim Clark. Together, Marlene and Jim shared 34 years of marriage, building a life filled with love, family, music, and treasured memories.
Gifted with a beautiful and memorable soprano voice, Marlene shared her love of music throughout her life. She performed at numerous events and venues, including the Red Carpet and Crystal Palace in St. Louis's celebrated Gaslight Square. During that remarkable era, she performed in Gaslight Square while a young Barbra Streisand was appearing nearby.
Marlene's voice also became part of many cherished family memories. She sang "Ave Maria" at Brian's and Michael's weddings, as well as at the weddings of dear friends. Among her other memorable experiences was singing at a wedding in Sicily, Italy. She also performed at St. Louis's Fabulous Fox Theatre, making a dramatic entrance as she rose from the orchestra pit while renowned Fox organist Stan Kahn played the theater's magnificent Wurlitzer organ.
Marlene devoted more than 30 years to the Parkway School District, sharing her talent, enthusiasm, and love of music with generations of students. Her long career as a music educator and entertainer came to a close just weeks before her passing. The countless students whose lives she touched are an important part of her lasting legacy.
Marlene is survived by her husband of 34 years, Jim Clark; Jim and Marlene's family included her sister-in-law, Suzy Boland; and her nephew, Skip Boland. Jim's sisters, Kay Pitner and her husband, Bill; Marilyn Ureda and her husband, Mark; and Joann Harrison and her husband, Steve, along with their families.
Their family also included Jim's sons, Alan Clark and his wife, Dawn; Brian Clark; and Michael Clark and his wife, Gina; grandchildren Thomas Clark and his wife, Jackie; Maya Clark; Kahlie Clark; and Karlie Clark and her husband, Marcelo; and great-grandchildren Madison, Kaylee, Aria, Reagan, Finn, and Rosie
Marlene will be remembered for her extraordinary voice, her devotion to music and education, and the joy she brought to her family, her students, and everyone fortunate enough to hear her sing.

Visitation will be held on September 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in St. Louis, Missouri.

As a service of SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.